ElectriCub Early (oz12691)

About this Plan

ElectriCub (early version). Radio control sport scale model for electric power, using direct drive Speed 600 can motor, and 3 channels. Wingspan 59 in.

Note the plan also shows alternate glow engine installation. OS Max 10 FP shown.

Note the Great Planes ElectriCub appeared in two versions, ElectriCub Early and ElectriCub Late (oz14074). This here is the 1987 early version, with banded-on wing and no ailerons.

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Update 14/06/2021: Added kit review from Flying Models, September 1988, thanks to RFJ.

Quote: "The ElectriCub kit is a production of Great Planes Model Manufacturing Co, PO Box 721 Urbana, IL 61801. Its a scale-like version of the Piper J-3 Cub and is designed more for flying ability than scale accuracy although the finished model, is certainly and easily recognized as a miniature version of the full-size aircraft.

The kit is designed for use with either electric power (05 size direct drive) or glow engine (.10 - .12). Wingspan is 59 inches, wing area 480 square inches, and recommended total weight is 48 ounces with the electric power system or 44 ounces with a glow engine.

The kit is available with the electric power package, which includes everything except the motor battery, as Deluxe Kit No ECUB-D for a retail price of $69,95. For use with glow engines the standard kit, No ECUB, is available without the electric system for $49.95 retail.

The Kit: Great Planes has included an instruction booklet in their kit which is among the best I've seen and it is worthwhile reading, especially for beginners. Its 39 pages cover tips on radio selection, motor/engine, battery and prop advice, isometric drawing, parts identification drawing, 134 construction photos! drawings (including 56 for the fuselage alone!), covering, radio installation, and flying. Very well done and obviously a tremendous help for the first time builder.

While the booklet mentions that the beginner can build the model without difficulty, learning to fly the ElectriCub requires the help of an instructor.

One plan sheet is supplied in the kit with drawings of the fuselage (side and top) and tail elements on one side and both wing panels on the other. Uncluttered plans show both electric and glow power installations as well as radio component layout.

Building materials are of good quality with clean balsa and plywood die cutting, preformed wire landing gear, molded plastic dummy engine parts and lightweight plastic cowling.

The hardware package is complete with all necessary items including Velcro strips (for anchoring the electric flight battery) and even rubber bands for attaching the wing to the fuselage.

The electric power package (included in the Deluxe kit) consists of an 05 size direct drive motor (manufactured by Mabuchi for Great Planes), a flag type power-line fuse, on-off toggle switch, and an on-off micro switch, (for motor control), all in a one piece pre-wired harness terminating in a connector that is made to fit battery packs with Kyosho type connectors. The motor battery (not supplied with the kit) may be either 6- or 7-cell 1200 mAh NiCd packs providing 7.2 or 8.4 volts respectively.

To round out the electric power pack an 8-4 Tornado nylon prop, prophnotor adapter, and a Cub type prop spinner are furnished along with the necessary Allen wrenches. All in all it is a very complete kit. Additional items required to complete the project are glue, wheels (and wheel collars), covering material, and radio.

Construction: Anyone with previous kit building experience should have no problems with assembly of the ElectriCub. Even the beginner should be able to do the job by progressing through the building sequences as outlined in the instruction booklet.

At first glance the fuselage structure appears a bit beefy and this strength is necessary if the model is to be glow powered; for electric powered versions suggestions for slightly modifying the structure for somewhat lower weight are fully outlined in the booklet.

A removable hatch is built into the bottom of the fuselage to allow access to the motor wiring and the motor battery. The electric system, as furnished in the Deluxe kit, requires a third servo for on-off motor control and full details of the installation are clearly shown on the plans.

Building the fuselage involves quite a few pieces (as opposed to a slabsider) but most of the parts are die-cut, fit well, and assemble easily if the instruction booklet is followed step by step. There is enough space available in the cabin area of the fuselage for a full size radio system; a mini system would undoubtedly save an ounce or two of weight but is not absolutely necessary..."

Update 20/7/2024: Added kit review from Radio Modeller, October 1996, thanks to RFJ.

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